Does anyone else feel really awkward when taking a selfie? (I never know what to look at – the screen or the camera?!) BUTTTT I’m posting this because I wanted to show you my “holiday makeup look” from one of my favorite stores, Sephora. I like to keep my makeup pretty natural looking (even for holiday parties), but I do add highlighter and some shimmery eyeshadow for a more “glam” look than my everyday makeup. Follow along to get this exact look in seven easy steps…
Step One: Foundation
I use Laura Mercier’s Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide in the shade “cashew” for foundation. The makeup artist that sold this to me said you shouldn’t apply it with a brush, and specifically recommended this sponge (so that’s what I use!). The sponge doesn’t soak up any of the makeup, so you don’t end up wasting any product.
Step Two: Under Eye Highlight
I apply Smashbox BB Cream in the shade “fair” under my eyes. I usually put some on my finger first, and then dab it underneath my eyes to make sure it’s not too heavy. This is really great if you’re tired – it helps to brighten up your eyes.
Step Three: Contour & Highlight
The Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit is amazing for contouring, and it has six different powders all designed to contour and highlight (I have the “light to medium” kit). First I use the “banana” powder to set my under-eye highlighter. Then I go straight to contour… with an angled brush, I shade both sides of my nose using the “fawn” color. I mix the “java” and “havana” shades together with a brush and apply it to the edge of my forehead and my jawline. The key to contouring is making sure you BLEND really well. I have a few different blending brushes that I use to make sure everything looks seamless. For highlight, I use my finger to apply the “vanilla” powder straight down my nose, and then I use a highlighter brush to dab “sand” on my cheeks and a little on my forehead.
Step Four: Blush
I apply a little bit of bronzy blush to the apples of my cheeks – I’m wearing MAC’s “warm soul” in the above photo, but Sephora’s “golden old rose” blush is a close match.
Step Five: Brows
I use the Anastasia Brow Wiz pencil in the “medium brown” shade to fill in and help shape my brows. I try not to apply too much of this because I don’t want my brows to look too sculpted – I want them to look natural! I must say, I only recently started using this and I’m now a huge fan. I didn’t realize how much eyebrows could make or break your look!
Step Six: Eyeshadow
I’m not big into using eyeshadow, but I do like a shimmery shadow on the eyes for special occasions like a holiday party. I really like the Too Faced Natural Eye eyeshadow kit for creating a smoky eye – I mainly use “silk toddy” and “honey pot” to add a little bit of shimmer all over my lid.
Step Seven: Mascara
I don’t know why, but I always save mascara for last – I think it makes the most difference and it’s also fun to apply! I typically apply a mascara primer first, then finish with Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara. I have tried so many mascaras and this one is (in my opinion) the BEST out there! It helps thicken, elongate and volumize your lashes. I don’t wear fake eyelashes but I always get asked about that – it’s this mascara that makes all the difference 🙂
If you’re wondering about my hair, I use this curling wand with the 1″ straight barrel to curl my hair. It really does create long-lasting curls!
If you have any questions about the makeup, let me know in the comments. I’m also linking some great gift ideas from Sephora – there is a whole gift section on their website that is organized by price – it makes it really easy to look through gift ideas. I ordered a few things as Christmas gifts for my girlfriends this year!
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*Thank you to Sephora for sponsoring this post
Great post! Thanks for sharing! Holliday make up can be pretty tricky this time of year. It has to be just right.
Xx Fatima
http://www.fatimasabri.com
Love this look! Great lip color!
xo | The Fashion Forecast
Great make up look! I have the same coutour kit:P
Shall We Sasa
Thanks for sharing this! I always love how you makeup looks!
Lauren,
http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com
What primer for mascara do you use?
I use L'Oreal Double Extend! It comes in a red tube and is double-sided but I only use the primer side 🙂
Your eyelashes look so long and that lip color is perfect for the holidays! Thank you for sharing and have a wonderful day!
http://www.laurenfarrellny.com/blog
Love it! What lip product are you using?
I have on MAC "soar" lipliner followed by Chanel Rouge Allure lipstick in #145!
This is great because your make up always looks perfect! You should do a make up video!
xo,
Sara Kate Styling
loved your lashes!
killthemwithchic.com
Great post! It's always fun to read about how you do your makeup!
http://sequinsinpink.blogspot.com
Have you ever tried the Kat Von D Contour palette? It's also from Sephora and I love it even more than the Anastasia one (and I have them both). The formula is so smooth!
xo, Nina
Law of Fashion Blog
No I haven't!! I need to try that one! I have heard a couple people say they like it better!
Ur makeup is flawless!
Chichistashan.blogspot.com
I'm not very good at make up this would really help me with the easy steps I love the colours , Such a flawless look!
http://xoxobella.com
Beautiful look. love it
xoxo
http://www.poshnessary.com
Yay! I have always loved your makeup so I cannot wait to try this for the holidays!
Have a wonderful day // http://lifeplusbe.com/
Pretty!!! What lippy did you use here?! 💄
I have on MAC "soar" lipliner followed by Chanel Rouge Allure lipstick in #145!
Really pretty, natural makeup <3
Tatum
AbstractAphrodite
It looks so gorgeous dear! <3
xx
great tips
http://www.amysfashionblog.com/blog-home
your lashes always look flawless! love!
xoxo,
ash
cvilletodc.blogspot.com
My routine is almost the same! sadly, I don't own the Anastasia Beverly Hills contour kit. But I will soon! I also love the better than sex mascara.
Caroline- http://www.blushedaway.com
I always admire your makeup, so I look forward to stealing all these tips lol!
xoxo
Brooke|LookBrooke
I LOVE that Too Faced mascara. Your makeup always looks beautiful too so thank you for sharing! 🙂
What a pretty makeup look for the holidays and your eyelashes are amazing!!
xoxo Nicole
http://www.brazenbrunette.com
Love these tips! I have a holiday party tomorrow night so I may snag some ideas for it!
Ashley
http://www.lifeandreactions.blogspot.com
Thank you so much for this! I really enjoy hearing about products that others love. I can't quite tell from the picture – do you use eyeliner? If so, which one and do you love it? I'm on the hunt for a new one.
Thanks!
Jess | FashionByCommittee.com
Great makeup picks! Love the contour kit and the too faced mascara!
HashtagFabLife
Love the make-up- so gorgeous!
Jabeen x
http://www.spilling-the-beans.co.uk/
I've heard amazing things about the Anastasia contour set! Holiday makeup is on my Christmas list!
Brooke du jour
http://www.brookedujour.com
I use that Anastasia Contour Kit every day! I love it.
You look gorgeous in this holiday makeup!!
xx Kathryn
http://www.chicandshimmer.com